Good Behavior: The Beginning

I first started sewing in my high school fashion class and ever since then, sewing has had a special place in my heart.  I took an eight-year hiatus from sewing when I went away to college and then was in the Air Force and stationed in Germany.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I rediscovered my passion and started all over again.  I remembered little things here and there from high school, but I buried myself in sewing books, and Google'd and YouTube'd my little heart out to reinforce the basics and refresh my memory.

And then I decided to apply to fashion school.  What I learned there was that I definitely appreciated design and trends, but it reinforced my ultimate love of construction.  I thrived in my patternmaking class as well.  That's the stuff that makes sense to me.

I've rolled around many ideas in my head and considered starting a children's clothing line.  And I have finally taken the first step.  Enter: Good Behavior.

My dear coworker, Lauren, was having tea with me one evening and during conversation I uttered something about 'good behavior.'  She said, "Nicole...that is a great name for a childrenswear label."

So, now here we are.  I've taken the first steps, and I'd like to share my first WIP with you.

I am proud to say that this each piece thereafter will be 100% me-made from draft to dress!  This is what I am very proud of.  I made a couple different sized slopers (3/4, 5/6, & 7/8) to start off with.  The clothing will mostly stay in this size range for sanity's sake.

I ordered a whole role of pattern paper which I just keep in the corner.  One of my best investments that was long overdue.

These are the two books I refer to the most.  The top is purely for children's clothes and has great tips.
This book below is the drafting bible.  This was one of my school text books and one of the most comprehensive patternmaking books I have ever seen.  I believe it runs about $90-$100, but it is sooooo worth it and I would recommend it to anyone interested in patternmaking.

Here is my first muslin...

And here is the near-finished product!  This dress is make out of Dupioni silk and is completely lined with Kona cotton.

The silk has this beautiful texture to it as well.

And here is my tag...

I have to hem it and put in the zipper and I have already started on my next project!  It's a sweet little wool cape.

Thanks for all of your kind words and sewing support!  I truly think the sewing community is like no other.  Don't you?